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Not that I really care that much, but my Auto start / stop has never seemed to work. Is there anything I need to do other than turning it on to make this feature work? My car is a 6sp so perhaps that has something to do with it.

According to the BMW web site, "The Auto Start Stop function automatically switches off the engine when the car is at a standstill and in neutral, then restarts it as soon as the driver presses the clutch pedal again."

Not that I really care that much, but my Auto start / stop has never seemed to work. Is there anything I need to do other than turning it on to make this feature work? My car is a 6sp so perhaps that has something to do with it.

Just FYI, the default setting is "off," which is the state it's in when its little switch on the dashboard is lit. I leave mine off because I suspect that the constant stop-start could prematurely wear the battery and maybe even the starter. Eventually, this will be handled by either a second, designated battery or an ultracapacitor, but I don't think the system on the M3 has either of these.

I tried it twice by just pushing the button. It works and I hated it. Thanks BMW for making it off by default, please do the same on the new M3.

I've used it on occasion in heavy traffic where there are longer periods of not moving. Also works well in a drive thru when there is a heavy wait, but I don't use it daily. I can appreciate it in those special circumstances, but don't have a need for it daily.

FYI, it will automatically start the car up/not engage if the heat/air varies from the auto-climate setting (AC needs to kick on, etc.).

Just FYI, the default setting is "off," which is the state it's in when its little switch on the dashboard is lit. I leave mine off because I suspect that the constant stop-start could prematurely wear the battery and maybe even the starter. Eventually, this will be handled by either a second, designated battery or an ultracapacitor, but I don't think the system on the M3 has either of these.

The auto start/stop does not use the started to restart the engine. The engine uses itself to start the engine and is done by sparking a compressed cylinder. Read up on it, pretty neet

The auto start/stop does not use the started to restart the engine. The engine uses itself to start the engine and is done by sparking a compressed cylinder. Read up on it, pretty neet

Where did you see this? In a quick Google search re how it works, all I can find is this, which clearly references the starter:

"The Auto Start Stop function is coordinated by a central control unit that monitors data from all relevant sensors, the starter motor and the alternator. If necessary for comfort or safety, the control unit will automatically restart the engine: for example, if the vehicle begins to roll, the battery"

The auto start/stop does not use the started to restart the engine. The engine uses itself to start the engine and is done by sparking a compressed cylinder. Read up on it, pretty neet

...and there's a little jerk when it comes back to life, it's not compeltely hidden from the passengers. That said, we always turn it off as soon as the car is running. Have had the car for less than two months and can say this is one big BONER of a 'feature'.

My wife drives through a very urban area to/from work each day and is scared to death that the car won't restart one of those times. Aside from the wear and tear factor on the car (and there has to be some), the little lurch is pretty annoying on a $66,135 car (if you forget to turn it off at initial start up). Since it is switched, the switch must a fuse (or a relay) that will disable the feature...there are several fuses attributed to start/stop and I guess I'm just going to start pulling one by one and see if I can isolate where/how the switch is powered.

... we always turn it off as soon as the car is running.... Since it is switched, the switch must a fuse (or a relay) that will disable the feature...there are several fuses attributed to start/stop and I guess I'm just going to start pulling one by one and see if I can isolate where/how the switch is powered.

You shouldn't have to do that, as the default setting every time you get in the car should be "off"; i.e., when the little on/off button is lit (which mine is whenever I start the car-- with the key, of course), the feature is NOT on, and if I wanted to use it I'd have to manually turn it on by pushing that little button and making that light go off. So unless you'd want to try to pull the fuse just because the light annoys you... But, of course, that's why they make black electrical tape!

...well its default is 'on' in our car. Pushing the button to 'disable' the feature illuminates the yellow bar light below the switch. The light is not illuminated and auto start/stop is enabled/fully functional after each time the car is shut down. Maybe as of a certain VIN it's 'always on'?

I'd LOVE for it to be an option to use vs. having to switch it off at every use.

Why on god's green earth, no pun intended, would this feature ever default ON in ANY model or on ANY continent? Just not understanding this company these days.

Apparently our beloved representatives has decided that a manufacturer can not use start/stop in their mpg testing unless it's defaulted to ON. Not sure how true this is but that's the rumour. Still, please leave the M cars to default OFF BMW and make up the savings on the non performance models. Actually make the whole function optional on the Ms.

2011 E90 M3, delivered Nov 7th, 2011 (Euro Del). Auto start is disabled by default. I've never turned it on, so I can't report on how it works, just that it has NEVER activated in my car.

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Originally Posted by PhillyNate

I just love how a 4 year old car/design is STILL the benchmark which other automakers aspire to reach. Still winning comparisons . Still very much in the conversation. Is the E9x M3 a legend? You bet your @ss it is.